Deepak

A basic earthen oil diya used for Divali

Deepak (दीपक ) is a Hindi word meaning lamp from Sanskrit Deepa or diya, or source of light. It is mostly used to decorate houses during Tihar in nepal and Dipawali in India. In the twentieth century, it became very popular as a first name for male Hindus. Names like Deepa (male-though used for females by many Indians now), Deepika (female), Deepthi (female), Deepan (male), Deepali (female) and many others are related to Deepak.

The names mentioned above are related to light or the holder of light - lamp,

• Deepak, (male) - lamp, candle means who gave light on his own behalf;
• Deepa (male) - a lamp;
• Deep (male) - wick/flame of the lamp;Hindi/North Indian derivation of Sanskrit "Deepa" (male)
• Deepankar (male) - one who lights lamps;
• Deependra (male) - lord of light;
• Deepit (male) - lighted;
• Deepanjali (female) - offerings of lamps;
• Deepmala (female) - garland of lamps, tower of lamps;
• Deepali (female) - collection of lamps;
• Deepika (female) - a little light;
• Deepamalika (female) - garland of lamps;
• Deepunja (male) - light of lamp;
• Deepti (female) - glow, shine;
• Deepthi (female) - glow, shine;
• Deepanshu (male) - glow;
• Devika (female) lord devi.

In Hinduism light is the symbol of knowledge.

Notable people whose names are Deepak

• Deepak Kumar, Historian
• Deepak Chopra, Medical doctor and writer
• Deepak Tijori, Indian actor and director
• Deepak Verma, British-Asian actor
• Deepak Mondal, Indian footballer
• Deepak Bista, Nepali martial artist
• Deepak Obhrai, Canadian politician
• Dipika Damerla, Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario
• Deepak Thakur, Indian hockey player
• P.A.Deepak, Indian Mix Engineer and Music Producer

Though Deepak or (Diyo) in Nepali has long been used in decoration and lighting houses, nowadays electrical decorations are used instead as they no longer require oil and attention.

this is used as an alternative of traditional 'diyo' in most cities.